Welcome to this week’s installment of Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week, wherein we shine a spotlight on strong women who inspire us. This includes fictional female characters in geeky media and creators as well. These ladies are a prime example of female empowerment and how crucial it is for youth to have said example to follow.
DISCLAIMER: The following has spoilers galore for Prime Video’s sci-fi darling, The Expanse. If you’re not already caught up with the series, allow a Screaming Firehawk (me) to berate you until you do so lovingly.
Bobbie Draper
Fast Facts:
Former Gunnery Sergeant Roberta “Bobbie” Draper (Frankie Adams) served in the Martian Marine Corps (MMC). She spent most of her time on the red planet dedicated to the dream of terraforming Mars. Bobbie was loyal almost to a fault to her homeworld. After uncovering Mars’ involvement in an inhumane experiment, she defected to the United Nations.
However, the UN was also involved in this experiment. Ever the steadfast soldier, Bobbie acted as bodyguard to (at the time) UN Undersecretary Chrisjen Avasarala (Shohreh Aghdashloo). Together, the pair pulled back the curtain on Project Caliban — a nefarious experiment with the objective of injecting the protomolecule into human DNA. In addition, they revealed Earth and Mars’ underhanded contributions.
Later, Bobbie surrendered herself to the Martian Congressional Republic Navy. Thankfully, she was spared treason charges. She was even reinstated as a ranking military member. But Bobbie was soon relieved of her post after a mission she led went awry.
Next, in Season 4, Bobbie began working on the Martian docks. But she grew restless and tumbled down the rabbit hole of the black market. Her boss sold Martian technology for big bucks, and Bobbie became his bodyguard. Later, their group was ambushed by Belters amid a transaction. Bobbie discovered Mars was back to its shady dealings. Thus, she sought out Avasarala to help her delve deeper into the mystery.
Cutting off the head of the snake
Bobbie learned Admiral Emil Sauveterre (Tim DeKay) was at the center of the Martian arms deal with Marco Inaros (Keon Alexander). So, she took the Razorback with Alex Kamal (Cas Anvar) to catch Sauveterre and his forces in the act. Later in Season 5, Bobbie and Alex rescue Naomi Nagata (Dominique Tipper) from the Chetzemoka. While Bobbie retrieved Naomi, Alex died after suffering a stroke from the effects of the hard burn.
In Season 6, newly reinstated Secretary-General Avasarala tasked Bobbie with assisting the Rocinante crew in preventing Marco from continuing to pummel Earth with missiles. She stayed aboard the Roci, bonding with Amos Burton (Wes Chatham) while the group worked to take down Marco. In the series finale, “Babylon’s Ashes,” Bobbie played a pivotal role in the battle against the Free Navy, leading to Marco’s imminent downfall.
The Real Deal:
Bobbie is the real deal. She possesses immense physical strength. You won’t find me ganging up on her in a dark alley. Bobbie could take on anyone in a round of fisticuffs and emerge victoriously. She has a keen mind and an admirable sense of focus.
Our Martian holds fast to reason. Bobbie isn’t easily swayed by manipulation. She’s pragmatic, and her loyalty is second to none.
In addition, Bobbie always does the right thing, even if it ostracizes her from the rest. When she learned about Mars’ dealings, she opted to stop them, even joining forces with an Earther. She doesn’t discriminate!
Why She Matters:
Bobbie boasts an abundance of military experience, fighting and beating the best of them in battle. She rose through the ranks by sheer grit and perseverance. Girls can watch her kick butt on The Expanse and be inspired. They’ll see her in themselves and unlock their strength from within; Bobbie’s journey can encourage them to achieve their dreams despite seemingly unyielding odds.
So, be like Bobbie Draper. Fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. Know that it takes hard work and perseverance to accomplish your goals. Stand firm against your oppressors. Always do the right thing, even if it’s the unpopular thing. Oh, and never shy away from a good ol’ fashioned arm wrestle.
Originally published on 12/26/2019 and updated on 05/10/2022.
RELATED: Catch up on all the protomolecule madness with The Expanse recaps!
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What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events.
Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet.
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